Drake’s Take: New Releases 04.07.09

Call me a philistine, but I really just wasn’t “feeling” the new release from the much ballyhooed, Micachu & the Shapes. I found the first single off the record “Golden Phone” somewhat enjoyable, but the rest of the album more or less just got on my nerves. I also had the chance to sit down with the new Felice Brothers record a little bit, and while it isn’t a bad album to speak of, it channels Dylan so much, you’d almost think he was in the room when they made it. -ed.

The anticipated debut release from Mica Levi is an artistic gem, an album full of pop hooks that are far enough askew to keep it at arms length from the mainstream. Her compelling, and sometimes odd delivery of the songs are backed by a sort of ‘found instrument’ orchestra of sound. She’s sort of a female Tom Waits for a new generation making art music that doesn’t require an excessive amount of patience. I’ve been listening to it quite a bit since it came out, like a shiny new toy, and perhaps some time will tell if some of the attraction is novelty, but for now it’s just a joy to listen to.

The Hold Steady have always been a live band first and foremost, but one who’s albums have do a good job of capturing much of the infectious spirit that they deliver on stage, so it’s no surprise that a live CD and DVD should be added to their discography. A Positive Rage is an album for the fans, first and foremost, with a few non-album fan faves in the set list. In an interview on DVD, Guitarist Tad Kubler says, “If we can get someone in front of us, it’s a done deal,” and that’s pretty true – most who see them live become steadyheads. The DVD and Album don’t come close to reaching that height, but it’s a good document, nonetheless, of a band near it’s peak in its relationship with the audience.